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Dimension 3000 not recognizing drives.
My problem: DVD drive - had failed spindle test.
Since I was having various problems,(ran complete virus test - NO virus), I decided to format the hard drive. Now, the computer does not recognize anything but the faulty DVD drive.
Diskette drive 0 seek failure
Primary drive 0 not found
Primary drive 0 not found
In the setup (F2) the Primary Master Drive is listed as unknown device. In the Boot Sequence, the hard drive is not listed and it says the Floppy drive is not installed - which it is.
The diskette drive light goes on when I turn on the computer and doesn't shut off. (nothing in it)
The LED lights are GGGA.
Prior to calling Dell on June 5th, I tried ALL the suggestions from the Dell forums. The tech rep said he needed an "additional 48 hours" to research the problem - after spending several hours with him on the phone. He said that he, or another technician, would call me. The 48 hours have come and gone several times.
I have repeated all the steps suggested by the tech rep. Nothing changes. I have reseated all the drives and power plugs several times to no avail.
I have cleared the NVRAM (Caps Lock, Scroll Lock, etc. etc.) at least five times. I removed the battery and reset the date and time.
My thinking is that this can not be solved over the phone - hence the reason for no call back. When I told the tech rep that I was a senior citizen with disabilities and I felt a home service call was in order, he said "No, we have to troubleshoot over the phone."
Dell's Expert Resolution Center is aware of this problem and the computer is under warranty.
Any advice will be much appreciated.
659
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Posted June 19th, 2007 17:00
Thank you for responding. I didn't get as far as reinstalling. Once the hard drive was formatted, it was no longer available in the Setup. Even though the DVD drive is listed in the BIOS, it won't read CDs now. (It had previously failed the Spindle Test.) The DVD drive light comes on briefly, then disappears.659
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Posted June 19th, 2007 18:00
Since the drive failed the test, I would suspect it is defective and you will need to replace it.Formatting the hard drive effectively erases all data and you will need to load Windows, chipset drivers, device drivers, etc.
Inspiron 16 5630 Laptop and WD22TB4 Docking StationSelf-built desktop for recording studio application659
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Posted June 19th, 2007 20:00
After spending grueling hours with the tech rep on the phone, he did say it could either be a bad drive or a bad cable. I suggested a home service call since this computer is under warranty till September 2008. He wouldn't agree to it. (So much for their "We're there the next day for you." ) Said they had to know exactly what the problem was before a service call could be initiated. I can't imagine how, after trying every so called fix, they can decide which drive/cable is the problem without installing a different drive/cable. My first contact with them was in March and I have been unable to use this computer since then. I keep sending letters advising them what I've tried. I can't help but feel that they would drag this out until the warranty was up. I'm especially upset because I've purchased two Dells in 5 years and never required assistance before.We know the DVD drive is faulty but I find it hard to believe the hard drive went down at the same time. I have another Dell (Dimension 8100) and I'm going to swap the hard drive and see what happens. Will keep the forum posted in case this should happen to anyone else's Dimension 3000.Thanks again.659
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Posted June 19th, 2007 20:00
try reseating your dvd drive, if still no go, then try using a diffrent dvd or cd drive if available. :)659
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Posted June 19th, 2007 20:00
maybe the phone tech support ask you this question, "How did you format your hard drive if your dvd is falulty?", if you can still boot to the OS, there is something wrong with your registry. im feel sorry if you haven't used your computer for a while now.659
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Posted June 19th, 2007 21:00
The phone rep never asked but I had tested the DVD drive before I decided to try to format. I took a chance and it certainly appeared that it worked. However, when the format was 100% complete, the other drives were not recognized. Listed below are some steps I tried even before I called Dell.1. Removed devices and reinstalled them.
2. All my drivers & firmware were up-to-date.
3. Removed all DVD programs except Roxio.
4. Checked the BIOS.
5. Downloaded MS Auto Fix. (Can't fix problem.)
6. Reseated the drives & made sure everything is
plugged in tightly.
7. Checked & unchecked DMA.
8. Removed upper & lower filters in the registry.
9. Ran Dell's Self Testing Program. (Spindle Failure)
10.Tried all suggestions from the Forums & the Knowledge Base.*Actually, the first thing I did was run a complete Virus Scan. (NO VIRUS)Then when I contacted Dell, we cleared the NVRAM, unplugged and plugged the cables and power plugs, etc. After the call, I removed the battery and reset the date and time. Also, I have no extras attached to the computer - just the keyboard.As of this moment, I swapped the WD1600 drive with a WD400 drive and, sadly, still have the same problems.I've done my best and I can't think of anything else to do. I'm not about to start swapping cables from the other computer. I'm a repeat Dell consumer and a senior citizen with physical disabilities. I believe it's time for them to come in and check it out. I've been trying since the latter part of March. I purchased Dells because of their technical reputation and, right now, I am totally disappointed.To everyone who responded, I thank you for your help. If you think of anything else, I'm willing to give it a shot.659
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Posted June 20th, 2007 08:00
did the tech advised you to check the boot sequence? also, try reseating your diskette drive and check its cables. i had a problem before with my dvd drive and it just happened to be ok when i reseated my floppy. ill research more on this one and one thing, they should send you a new DVD-Rom since you are still under warranty. :(659
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Posted June 20th, 2007 13:00
hmmm.... hard drive spindle failure, i guess you have to update your optical drive firmware.you can download these.HLDS GCC-4244N 24X Slim Combo (compressed file B-103.zip)HLDS GDR-8084N Slim 8X DVD (compressed file 102.zip)Click on FW Flashup button to begin the flash process.
The Flash process is complete message appears.Click the OK button.Restart the system.893
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Posted June 20th, 2007 16:00
I really appreciate you're trying to help me. I have checked the boot sequence and reseated the devices and cables many times. Everything is a comfortable fit. In the boot sequence, only the DVD drive is listed. It says the Diskette Drive is not installed - which, of couse, it is. Without the hard drive showing up, I can't do anything at all.There are three devices installed, the hard drive, the DVD drive and the diskette drive - each having their own cable. At first, I thought perhaps they weren't put back properly but there is no other way to put them in. All devices have their own power source and they are also in tight.According to Western Digital, the jumper on the hard drive is in the correct spot. (pins 1 & 2) However, I even moved the jumper to every possible combination and that made no difference.I have gone to many online technical sites looking for a solution but, obviously, I haven't found one.All this information has been sent to Dell's Expert Resolution Center and no one has gotten back to me regarding a service call.I have been more than patient - but I'm at my wits end now. I'm grateful for the people on the forum who try to help. Without you guys, a lot of Dells would have been tossed out a window.
fireberd
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659
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Posted June 19th, 2007 14:00